Cruise Port Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: Puerto Limon Guide
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Limon is the gateway to Costa Rica’s vast biodiversity and beauty. Your day in Cruise Port Puerto Limon, Costa Rica is best served by arranging a day tour or shore excursion.
Limon, Costa Rica Cruise Port Guide: (Jump To)
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Limon, Costa Rica?
Most ships arrive at the Puerto Limon, Costa Rica cruise port, the easy gateway for day tours, beaches, and wildlife viewing. If you cruise to Limon, Costa Rica, it’s a quick walk from the terminal to taxis, tour pickups, and the open-air market right outside the gates.
Cruise ships dock at the Puerto Limón cruise port when visiting Limón, Costa Rica. The port serves as the gateway for passengers to explore the attractions and activities in and around Limón.
The city of Limon is quite small and lacks much of interest for cruise ship passengers who wish to explore on foot. Typically, when cruise ships are in port, a good-sized local flea market is set up at the port. Here you can sample local food and buy souvenirs.
Most passengers leaving the ship will be taking excursions from the port. While in Costa Rica visitors can explore nearby beaches, national parks, wildlife reserves, cultural attractions, and adventure activities. Read more about excursions below.
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Things To Do at Cruise Port Puerto Limon Limon on Your Own
From canal safaris and sloth sanctuaries to cacao tastings and short beach breaks, there are plenty of things to do in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica in one port day. Maximize your time by booking a rainforest walk, a zip line, or a Cahuita National Park visit departing directly from the Limon, Costa Rica cruise port.
Balvanero Vargas Park
Map: Google Maps
The port-adjacent Balvanero Vargas Park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the shoreline and tropic Costa Rican air. The good-sized park features walking trails, a picturesque gazebo, numerous statues and outdoor art, and lush tropical vegetation.
Mirador El Fortín
Map: Google Maps
This rather nondescript observation platform, Mirador El Fortín, is an excellent place to take a photo of your ship while it’s in port. Located about 25 minutes on foot from the port dock the walk allows you to walk through the city of Limon for a first hand-look at local life.
Uvita Island
Map: Google Map
The tiny island of Uvita is visible as you enter or exit the port on your cruise ship. The 1/3 square mile size of the island makes it quite unremarkable if not for a visit in 1502 from Christopher Columbus. On his last exploration sailing he docked at the island for ship repairs. The island is only reachable by boat.
Beaches in Limon, Costa Rica
If you want beaches in Limon, Costa Rica close to the pier, choose Playa Bonita for an easy taxi ride; for postcard sand and reef, head farther to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Cruising with boards or just a beach bag, Playa Cocles brings waves while Playa Blanca in Cahuita pairs calm water with wildlife-rich coastal trails.
For cruise ship passengers visiting Limón, Costa Rica, there are several beaches accessible within a reasonable distance from the port.
Playa Cieneguita
Map: Google Maps
This is the closest beach to the port, located just a short distance away. While it may not be the most pristine or picturesque beach, it offers convenience for cruise ship passengers looking for a quick beach experience.
Playa Bonita
Map: Google Maps
Located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Puerto Limón, Playa Bonita is known for its dark sand, rocky shores, and coral reef, making it ideal for snorkeling. It's easily accessible by taxi or shuttle from the port.
Playa Cahuita
Map: Google Maps
While a bit further away (about a 45-minute drive), Playa Cahuita is worth considering for its natural beauty. It's part of Cahuita National Park, offering not only gorgeous beaches but also opportunities for snorkeling along the coral reef.
Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita
Map: Google Maps
These beaches are located near the town of Puerto Viejo, which is about a 1-hour drive from Limón. Puerto Viejo is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant Caribbean culture, and stunning beaches. Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita are great spots for surfing and relaxing.
Best Shore Excursions in Puerto Limon
Top picks from the Puerto Limon, Costa Rica cruise port include Tortuguero-style canal boat tours, rainforest zip-lining, banana plantation visits, and bean-to-bar chocolate workshops. When you cruise to Limon, Costa Rica, consider a combo tour that pairs canals with a sloth or rescue center stop to see more in less time.
Rainforest Tours
Visitors can explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, experiencing the incredible biodiversity and spotting wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
Canopy Zip Line Tours
Adventure seekers can zip through the treetops on exhilarating canopy zip line tours, offering breathtaking views of the jungle canopy and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
Tortuguero National Park
Located on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is renowned for its turtle nesting beaches, canal tours, and diverse wildlife, including jaguars, manatees, and crocodiles.
Chocolate Tours
Costa Rica is known for its delicious chocolate, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, and even indulge in tastings.
Banana Plantation Tours
Since Limón is a major hub for banana production, many tours allow visitors to explore banana plantations, learn about the cultivation process, and sample fresh bananas.
Beach Excursions
As mentioned above, Limón boasts beautiful beaches such as Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo, where visitors can relax, swim, snorkel, or enjoy water sports like surfing and kayaking.
Jaguar Rescue Center
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to learn about the rehabilitation and conservation of injured and orphaned animals, including sloths, monkeys, and big cats. It's an educational and rewarding experience supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Limon Cruise Port Map
Use our Puerto Limon, Costa Rica map to spot the cruise terminal, taxi stands, Balvanero Vargas Park, and the nearby market at a glance. We’ve also marked beaches in Limon, Costa Rica, popular tour meet-up points, and the easiest day-trip routes to help you plan a smooth port day.
Map: Google Maps
Historical Self-Guided Walks: Visit Costa Rica
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Costa Rica!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
